Our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured image by Joshua Earle
In Conjunction with World of Coffee, Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) Hosts The First Sip 2026
On April 10, the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity hosted The First Sip: a gathering centered on equity, community, and connection within the global coffee industry. Held in conjunction with World of Coffee 2026, the event took place at The Mental Bar in the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Innovator’s Award to LaNisa Williams, founder of Barista Life L.A.
Cimbali Group Announces Partnership With Mazzer
Espresso machine manufacturer Cimbali Group and coffee grinder manufacturer Mazzer have announced a long-term partnership and unveiled the first prototype of their Mazzer x Slayer grinder, which will officially launch on the market in its final version at the 2026 London Coffee Festival.
“We are proud to embark on this journey together with Mazzer, a partner with whom we share a deep vision of quality and innovation in the world of espresso,” Frédéric Thil, Managing Director of Cimbali Group, shared in a press release.
Bala of Taiwan Wins 2026 World Latte Art Championship at World of Coffee San Diego
The 2026 World Latte Art Championship took place last weekend at World of Coffee San Diego. Representing Taiwan, Bala took home the winning title with original free-pour designs including a raccoon, giraffe, and red panda. Other finalists were as follows:
Runner-Up: Jacky Chang – Malaysia
Third: Zking (Zhang Yuanyi) – China
4th: Bank Sarawut – Thailand
5th: Jay Kim – South Korea
6th: Tatsuya Ishibashi – Japan
Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Recognizes Javier Hoyos Garcia of Colombia as Educator of the Year
At their recent thirtieth anniversary luncheon in San Diego, Calif., the Coffee Quality Institute announced Javier Hoyos Garcia as the recipient of their 2026 Educator of the Year award. Beginning his work as a CQI instructor in 2019, Javier has dedicated much of his life to education as both an agronomist and a university professor.
“What I value most is being able to share what I know with people who need it. It’s incredible how much you can influence or impact people’s lives by sharing knowledge,” says Javier.
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